







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Sorry, I hope it doesn't ruin your childhood memories... | |
| I think Diego and I are the only smokers in the house. | |
| There's a whole 500g unopened packet. | |
| Do you feel a bit better now? | |
| I am half-British and half-Australian. | |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
| It's not much less... There is a slight difference! | |
| How long does the flight usually take? | |
| It's like, the bus you are waiting for never comes. | |
| What line is it on? | |
| Mike, teriyaki is Japanese, we are at a Chinese restaurant. | |
| Mike, it is a continent! | |
| Why don't you answer your phone? | |
| Thank you again for giving me your turn. | |
| There is no table for you, then! | |
| I hope she is not a problematic one, then... | |
| Do you want me to put the chicken into the cooker first? | |
| Yes, they are all around 2 pounds. | |
| But before we go, can you call them and ask if they are okay with pets? | |
| I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | |